Mountain Biking - RaceFace Cranks?!?

IM gonna buy a new crank and chainset and am thinking of getting the "raceface turpine LP Cranks" but it comes in two versions Square Taper and ISIS, anyone point out what the difference is and which is the better + they come with either adonised or powder coating which of these is better?

You need the appropriate set for your bottom bracket. ISIS splined is supposedly slightly stiffer, but you'll need an ISIS BB.

Richard

Anodising is where the bare aluminum is treated is such a way that a thin film of aluminium oxide is formed on the metals surface. This is a 2 stage process, the first leaves a porous layer whilst the final step seals it. In between stages, the porous oxide can be coloured, usually blue, purple, red, green etc. Aluminium oxide is very hardwearing and transparent so anodised stuff looks trick and lasts well.

Paint is just paint :).

Powder Coat paint is a process of applying a chemical to the product and then "baking" at very high temps. This provides a finish that can match most other colors and very, very durable.

IOW, the difference between anodizing and powder coat is dependant on what color you want. If you have other anodized parts, get the anodized. If you're trying to match (or contrast) a frame or other component and you want bright colors, get the powder coat.

As stated above, the difference between square taper and ISIS is the bottom bracket. Will this be a replacement for an existing crank? If so, (and you don't want to replace the bottom bracket) get the square taper.

If you need a new bb as well, get the ISIS. The spindle is a hollow axle of a larger diameter and the connection point is a series of splines. The hollow axle decreases weight. The larger diameter increases strenght and stiffness. The splined connection allows for a secure union with no movement and stronger bond!

What rear derailleur do you have? If you have an XTR or a long cage XT (or similar) you're going to want the "Standard" cranks. If you have a regular XT or almost anything else, you'll want the "Compact" cranks. If you get this wrong, you can have problems with chain length and will not have smooth shifting and may be dissapointed with your new purchase!

L8R:beer:

Adaze,

welcome to the forums.....I have a pair of Next LP cranks on my bike, but went for the square taper (mainly because it was alot cheaper than the ISIS). So far, I've been impressed with them, nice and light and very stiff...but if I had the choice of the two, I'd go for the ISIS version.

Good luck with your choice!

Rich :D